Honesty is important. I mean we all have some secrets but I'd never lie unless I absolutely had to, like life or death kind of stuff.

[A wide smile tugs at his lips, happy and warm.]

I wouldn't say it if I didn't believe it with my whole heart, Marinette. You know that.

[He follows her gaze and nods.]

Oh no, girls do it, too. No doubt about it. I'm sure we know one at the very least like that.

[Eyes widening he's reaching out to pat her back lightly, concern etching itself onto his features; tension thrumming through him. And when he speaks there might be a hint of fear there and it's a tiny bit louder than it should be.]

Are you okay? What happened?

[Thought she's speaking again and Adrien exhales the pent up breath he'd been holding in a soft huff. His hand rubs along her back gently then comes to rest against his chest. It's on the tip of his tongue to tell her not to scare him like that. That he can't lose her. That she's his everything.

Which is true, to a Shinki a god is literally where things start and stop. Their wishes their command gospel and Adrien isn't the kind to have more than one or be disloyal. Marinette's temple is his home, she feeds him, clothes him - but it's more than that she cares about him, is warm and caring.

He'll cling to her, protect her, do anything she needs or wants just so he can keep that. he as no way of know that it's more than this that it started back home and isn't any less true there.]

I will never be like that. I- It seems wrong to try and force someone to love me.